Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) sealed a whopping 200 million Saudi riyals ($53.33 million) deal with Italian hospitality giant Arsenale Group to bring opulent train travel to the heart of the Middle East, the kingdom’s first-ever luxury train, dubbed “Dream of the Desert.”
The agreement was signed on on January 25, 2024, in Riyadh between SAR’s CEO, Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik, and the Chairman of the Italian group, Paolo Barletta.
Scheduled to commence operations in late 2025, the train will embark on picturesque journeys from Riyadh, the capital, to Qurayyat, nestled near the northern border with Jordan, traversing a breathtaking 1,300-kilometer route through Saudi Arabia‘s mesmerizing desert landscapes, including the scenic city of Hail, according to a press release issued by SAR last week.
The lavish train promises to redefine travel experiences for locals and tourists alike.
Key features of ‘Luxury train cruise’
- Designed with a blend of Saudi style and tradition, the train will have 40 luxurious cabins, offering passengers a fully customized and indulgent experience.
- The 1,300-kilometer route is to stretch across Saudi Arabia’s stunning desert landscapes.
- Dream of the Desert will offer “luxury train cruise” journeys from the capital city of Riyadh to Qurayyat.
- With one or two-night trips available, accommodating up to 82 passengers, Dream of the Desert aims to offer travelers unparalleled comfort and elegance.
“The initial production phases of the Dream of the Desert carriages in Italy have recently commenced, and we can’t wait for the debut of our first train in the kingdom in the coming years,” Barletta said in an official statement
#قطار_حلم_الصحراء قريبًا في المملكة 🇸🇦. https://t.co/07hDwoN921 pic.twitter.com/39sr2y1UaE
— الخطوط الحديدية السعودية | SAR (@SARSaudiRailway) January 26, 2024
The initiative followed Saudi Arabia’s successful launch of the Haramain High-Speed Railway in 2018, connecting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina with Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport.
With plans to expand the railway network, including enhancements to existing lines and the construction of thousands of kilometers of new track, Saudi Arabia aims to transform its transportation landscape and boost its burgeoning tourism sector.
Green transportation
The decision to venture into luxury train travel aligns with a global trend toward sustainable and leisurely modes of transportation. As countries worldwide invest in high-speed trains and luxury rail cruises, Saudi Arabia is seizing the opportunity to cater to discerning travelers seeking greener alternatives and unforgettable experiences.
Tourism goals of KSA
The introduction of Dream of the Desert underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its ambitious tourism goals, with plans to invest over $800 billion in the sector over the next decade.
From luxury regenerative tourism destinations along the Red Sea coast to the futuristic city of NEOM, the kingdom is forging ahead with initiatives to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenue.
As the kingdom embarks on this journey towards luxury tourism, SAR’s CEO, Bashar bin Khaled Al Malik, expressed optimism about the impact of Dream of the Desert, highlighting its potential to showcase the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes to a global audience.
“The signing of this MoU [memorandum of understanding] between SAR and Arsenale is to be considered a first step towards the introduction of a new offer within the tourism market with an experience of luxury travel by train,” said Al Malik.
UAE also set to launch luxury train
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also preparing to launch luxury rail cruises following a partnership between Etihad Rail, the national railway operator, and Arsenale Group, a luxury Italian hospitality specialist.
The Gulf country aims to introduce a high-end 15-carriage train travel experience on a picturesque journey from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi, offering travelers an experience reminiscent of the renowned Orient Express.
